I picked up a Lowe Pro strap recently with a wide neck section which feels quite comfortable, but I'm not sure about the quick-release clips at each end of the strap... not sure I want it to release quickly!

But yes, there are much more comfortable straps out there than the supplied ones, and they're also more discreet...

Op/Tech mate. Only way to go. I love mine. They're built really well and even have quick-release connectors (like rucksack straps) which are handy if you're sometimes using a tripod as they prevent the main part of the strap from catching wind and shaking the tripod. They also come in a range of colours, including my choice, black. £16.95 from Warehouseexpress.com

I looked at Warehouse Express but the Pro Loop option seems to only be on the Super Classic strap, not on the Pro series. Ie, the images of their straps don't seem to match up with the product and I can't be sure what I'm ordering.

Good point! It's not the most intuitive of sites at the best of times but you're right about this.

OK, the last stuff I bought on-line was from a company called Speed Graphic. They're listing The Pro strap with Pro-loop fittings for £17.95. I've only bought stuff from them twice but both times the service was good.

The only preference for the pro loop is because I liked the idea that it fits particularly small fittings on the camera (the D80 fittings *seem* quite small to me). I’m assuming that since you have the D80, that the standard Pro Strap fits just fine so I may just get that. It’s cheaper too.

My main reasoning for getting a new strap (aside from saving my neck) is because I don’t want a whopping great NIKON advert hung around me when I go travelling next year. I’m thinking the red Optech strap might defeat that purpose but it’s hard to tell without seeing it for real.

I’ll deliberate on the colour some more and make a purchase soon. Thanks for your info mate.

Bringing us briefly back on-topic (!) how many people like the 'quick release' clips that are used by most of these third party strap upgrades? I'm not sure I like them myself - I'd like the least possibility of something coming undone on a strap, and these seem to be inviting a potential issue.

Maybe they'd come loose by themselves, causing the camera to fall, or maybe an adept thief could unclip your camera from your very neck!

I had initially worried about the quick-release aspects too but in the flesh they're very sturdy. Of course their best use is when you have two bodies but it's really handy when using a tripod. On breezy days the wind can often catch the strap and cause minute wobbles. Unclipping the strap takes 2 seconds and the two loose ends can be connected so that even without the neckstrap a secure hold is possible.

Put it this way, I like the camera strap so much that I've just ordered the Op/Tech bag strap to replace the cardboard one supplied with my Tamrac bag.